Fittler Warns Bulldogs City Country Ban Could Cost Players A Run In Origin

Rep duties

2017-04-25T03:16:59Z

Image: @EONSportsRadio

News broke earlier that Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle has withdrawn all Bulldogs players from selection in this year's final ever City Country clash.

The game has served as a chance for players on the cusp of Origin to make their case to selectors, and City coach Brad Fittler has criticised the move to exclude the Bulldogs squad from taking part.

Speaking on EON Sports Radio, Fittler said that while he can understand concerns regarding the short turnaround for the club, he didn't like the blanket ban.

“The big thing for Laurie this year is he came out publicly and said there are (52) players that could be in his State of Origin team,” Fittler said.

“If they don’t want to put their hand up then there’s a good chance, Laurie’s that sort of bloke that’ll say ‘well they don’t want to be part of the system’.

“I saw the note from Raelene Castle … if that’s the case then I understand given the short turnaround but if it’s not in the CBA then you wonder if it’s a Josh Jackson, does (NSW selection) come down to it? I know Laurie’s a huge fan of him but … we’ll see.”